Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I'd like to buy a set of flatwound strings on my 72 4001 that are closest to the tension and tone of the original strings. What brand and gauge comes closest?
(I've gone through a few threads on flatwound strings here and was not able to figure out the answer to this, other than ruling out Fender strings for being definitely too high tension and too bright)

thanks

The Thomastik-Infeld JF344 set is the closest to the original set made for the 4001 for sound, feel and tension.

rickenbrother wrote:The Thomastik-Infeld JF344 set is the closest to the original set made for the 4001 for sound, feel and tension.

Yep, that's what JH said.

i recently landed a time capsule '73 that had the original strings in the case. i strung them up to compare, and yes, they are very similar to the TI Jazz flats.

I used Rickenbacker flats back in the mid 70's. TI Jazz flats are about as close as you can get today.

+1 TI flats

thank you!

someone on this forum also once mentioned using optima brand flats,which is the new company maxima used to be? (maxima being the maker of the original rickenbacker flatwound strings). it might be worth a try-thomastiks are low tension,roundcore strings and they have a "unique" feel to them-you may or may not like 'em.....i am in the latter camp...

I've tried them all . The Fender flats have a Long break-in time but sure play and sound old school . The Fenders set up with very low action without buzz . I was playing flats in the 60s so that's probably why I like them . The TIs and Chromes are too wet noodle .

i've ordered a set of TI's and a set of Optima golds (formerly known as Maximas and even more expensive!). i'll a/b them - thanks

Holy Cow! $88.84 for a set of four Optima flat wound bass strings! I'll be curious to hear your opinion on them:

http://www.juststrings.com/opt-bg2099flatw.html

have anyone ever tried the rotosound tru bass,black nylon taped flats? I used them on some other basses of mine, they have a very light tension and great doublebass -a - like sound (I mainly play double bass and I like that "thumpy" sound). I'd like to give a try to my just bought 1967 4005. I'd like suggestions about those strings. also, how about the rotosound jazz flats? nobody even mentioned them. at the moment, there are some roundwounds on my 4005 and I really don't like the feeling. need a quick replacement.

Interestingly, I have one of each of those sets on my two J Basses. I love the Tru Bass nylons for a White Album-type "gunk gunk" tone, and the specific J that they're on is ideal for that. I've not tried either set on my V63, though. I have tried what I remember to be Fender flats on it for one recording session, and they were less than ideal - too many weird harmonics, felt too stiff. I also think the monel Jazz Rotos are a bit high-tension. Both didn't really give me the tone or feel I associate with flats. I'd love to try TI's on my V63 as some point, but I'm committed to Swing Bass on it really.

rickaddict wrote:Holy Cow! $88.84 for a set of four Optima flat wound bass strings! I'll be curious to hear your opinion on them:

http://www.juststrings.com/opt-bg2099flatw.html

Jeff, 24 ct. gold....

luckylacchini wrote:have anyone ever tried the rotosound tru bass,black nylon taped flats? I used them on some other basses of mine, they have a very light tension and great doublebass -a - like sound (I mainly play double bass and I like that "thumpy" sound). I'd like to give a try to my just bought 1967 4005. I'd like suggestions about those strings. also, how about the rotosound jazz flats? nobody even mentioned them. at the moment, there are some roundwounds on my 4005 and I really don't like the feeling. need a quick replacement.

I have D'Addario Chromes in a 40-55-75-95 set on my '67 4005WB, give those a try.